Chapter 3

ELLE's POV

“What?” I blurted out in shock. Everything was taking a really sharp turn and I couldn't help but wonder if I was dreaming.

“I know this is a lot and I'm sorry for adding that last part in but I can't hold it in anymore, Elle. I'm in love with you and I want nothing more than to have you for the rest of my life. You can take as long as you want to process everything, I'll be right here waiting for you no matter how long” He assured with a genuine smile.

How was this happening? I was expecting everything else but this… a marriage proposal?!

To think that I got divorced yesterday to be asked for marriage today. How ironic!

“Last night…” I was beginning to say when he cut me off.

“Yes, last night was all my fault. I was so sad about my grandfather's passing that I drank too much and we got intimate. It was not my intention but I don't regret it either, Elle. I had the best night except I was too drunk to remember much about it” he chuckled but dimmed it down when he noticed I was not smiling.

“I need to use the restroom, excuse me” I said and made my way out of the office. I went to the restroom, I just needed some time to exhale and think or I might just go crazy.

I felt bad that while he was grieving last night, I had plotted to deceive him. Ben… I mean Raymond had never done anything bad to me, his only problem was that I was married and in love with Richard. I was ready to do anything to save my marriage that I didn't think toying with his feelings would hurt him.

No, I have to tell him the truth. His intentions were pure and genuine and I knew any girl would be happy to marry him, but if I truly wanted to give him a chance, I can't begin our foundation with lies. I will be honest with him and be ready for whatever reaction I would receive, if he would still have me then…

I washed my hands and stepped out of the restroom with the determination to tell him everything and damn the consequences. But I was immediately blocked by Richard who pulled me to a corner with urgency.

“Stupid woman! Did you not know the manager was the young CEO? Huh? How could you entangle yourself with him and try to deceive him? I don't want to get fired because of your foolishness or I'm going to make your life hell” he threatened angrily.

I looked at his agitated face and chuckled, “You are asking how when you are the one who pushed me to accept his advances? Now it's all my fault right? Pathetic!” I was angry more at myself than anyone else. How did I let myself get pulled into this mess all because of love? I was so desperate that I didn't see what a walking red flag I had married.

“How dare you insult me? I see that sleeping with the CEO has made you gutsy. Do you think if you tell him the truth he will forgive you and accept you with open arms? Stop being delusional! I heard the young CEO is a no nonsense man regardless of how calm he looks. You will be lucky if he doesn't get you arrested after kicking you out of his company” He barked bitterly.

I hissed, having had enough of his talking, “As long as you will be going down with me then I don't care” I knew he was seething with anger but I eyed him dismissively and made to leave.

I just had to be honest with him, even if I will be implicated. That was the difference between me and my ex husband.

“Don’t you dare walk away from me, Elle” Richard reached for my hand and roughly pulled me back.

In that moment before I could react, footsteps approached us and a familiar face came to view.

It was Raymond.

“What is going on here?” he asked in a cool but intimidating voice while staring hard at Richard.

Richard withdrew his hold on me in an instant and spoke up in a slightly shaky voice, “Oh it's nothing, we were just discussing some personal matter. Nothing serious at all, right Elle?”

Raymond's gaze fell on me and it visibly softened or maybe I was imagining it, while I was lost for words he looked like he was searching my eyes for a reaction. I suddenly felt too open to him and I looked away, “Um… yeah, it's nothing” I spoke up too, trying to regain my composure.

“I’ll be leaving now, I have some work to turn over” Richard said and tried to take his leave but Raymond stopped him by folding his hands and clearing his throat. Then he turned to me and asked with his face full of concern, “Are you okay, Elle? Did he do anything?”

I was taken aback by his concern for me, the switch in countenance when he looks at me and when he looks at Richard was too big to miss. Just how much did he care for me to have such an effect on him? Richard never cared this much before in all our seven years of marriage.

“No no, he didn't. I'm completely fine” I dismissed with a fake reassuring smile. I could see Richard's veins look like they were about to pop from gnashing his teeth from silent anger. It admittedly pleased me to see him so worked up about Raymond.

Raymond nodded in understanding before turning back to Richard, “I was your manager for a while so I know the accounting department very well. This isn't the office break time so don't loiter around when there are tons of accounts to settle. Am I clear?” he asked, his hard looking face was back.

“Y..yes Sir” Richard stammered with a hint of fear in his voice. He was always so fearless with me but seemed he had met his match. Richard left after sparing me one last glance, I thought I could see the disbelief in them that Raymond valued me this much. I don't blame him, I was still trying to get used to it too.

“Are you ready to tell me what's really going on now?” Raymond asked me while taking my hands in his.

“But I said it was nothing…” I tried to say but he cut me off.

“I know it's not, I saw Richard pull your hand roughly. It's fine if you don't want to tell me, I will respect that and let you be. "His voice sounded sad as he turned to leave and I felt confused on what to do.

After listening to Richard about the consequences of telling him the truth, a part of me was scared to do it because I didn't want to be arrested and sent to jail. But for how long could I keep the truth hidden? If he found out later, I knew it was going to be worse.

I made up my mind after a few seconds of contemplation and stopped him from leaving, “I need to tell you something but not here in the office, I don't…” I was stopped from talking with his finger on my lips.

“...Then let's get out of here” he said

I was stunned by his decisiveness, “But what about work?” I asked.

“I’m the CEO remember?” he smirked and his eyes flashed with a glint of mischievousness.